Yesterday whilst I was reading this blog (she posts the most ahhhmazing photos every Sunday) I found an interview with Jennifer Egan, writer of A Visit From the Goon Squad, which I read a little over a month ago and loved. The interview chronicles her journey from aspiring archaeologist to slave for an author to finally being a (mega) successful author herself. I am always interested to hear how writers get their start or how they go about their process as an author. It truly fascinates me. In this article I was most inspired by what Egan had to say as encouragement to future writers. She says,
My advice is so basic. Number one: Read. I feel like it’s amazing how many people I know who want to be writers who don’t really read. I’m not convinced someone wants to be a writer if they don’t read. I don’t think the problem is that they need to read more; I think they might need to readjust their life goals. Reading is the nourishment that lets you do interesting work. To be reading good things. I feel that you should be reading what you want to write. Nothing less.
Did you see that? “Reading is the nourishment that lets you do interesting work.” I love this. I love the idea of believing it is nourishment because that is honestly how I feel about the practice and exercise of reading. It sustains me when I am feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, tired, or even melancholy. I also love to read when I am happy and content. Not really when I am excited. It’s too hard for me to concentrate. But, truly, I feel like reading is such an incredible way to stimulate our systems and enrich our lives.
What are you reading right now that is making you do more interesting work?
A Broad At Home 